| abstract |
In one aspect, the invention provides a disposable cassette for performing immunoassays, particularly in conjunction with an imaging apparatus. An important feature of the cassette is a sample chamber containing a polymer coating for holding and releasing assay reagents when exposed to a biological fluid, such as blood or saliva. Preferably, the polymer coating has the following characteristics: (i) it immobilizes and stabilizes assay reagents for prolonged shelf live, (ii) it retards sample release during sample loading, and (iii) it rapidly releases assay reagents after sample has filled the chamber to form a uniform reagent concentration throughout the sample chamber. |